Aceh – Indonesia, THE NATIONAL Nutrition Agency (BGN) seemingly never stops producing absurdity. Most recently, the Head of BGN, Sudaryono, called on local governments to conduct unannounced inspections (sidak) at Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) to ensure food safety for beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

Previously, Sudaryono also asked schools and teachers to participate in supervising the menus served daily by the SPPG. The same request was directed to several intellectuals who are suspected of being paid to campaign for this MBG program.

This absurdity ought to stop along with halting the distribution of MBG to schools as well as general and religious education units. From the very beginning, this program has generated numerous issues and consumed the nation’s energy.

It is the schoolchildren, the recipients of MBG, who face the daily threat of food poisoning due to the lack of safety guarantees for the food they consume. The Civil Society Coalition recorded that by mid-August 2026, a total of 43,838 children fell victim to food poisoning across 36 provinces.

This figure continued to surge sharply entering September with the addition of thousands of new victims from various regions. Yet to date, not a single SPPG operator serving the poisoned food has faced criminal prosecution. They were merely given administrative sanctions. Many regional heads actually disagree with this program.

However, they do not dare to refuse because many are held hostage. Refusing the MBG distribution could result in them being prosecuted over other mistakes instead. Moreover, these regional heads are aware that this is an agency

Given the massive number of victims and its impact on state finances, Sudaryono should have the courage to tell his boss that this program is unfit to continue. There are many ways to ensure proper nutrition for Indonesian children without relying on MBG.

As a father, Sudaryono ought to empathize with the anxiety of parents whose children consume substandard food. For once, be a man of values, not a man of the palace.***